Every Friday, Caolán Conroy provides his take on three different sporting developments across the UK and Ireland, and shares his predictions for match-ups ahead. This week he looks at a recent BBC documentary, Ulster and Women’s rugby.

 

True North – Inside Crusaders

On Monday night BBC showcased a documentary on Crusaders Football Club as part of their True North series. I’d recommend giving it a watch. For the first time it gave viewers full behind the scenes access to a top Irish League club. It showed things from the perspective of the manager, players, volunteers and supporters, and highlighted how passionate everyone is at that level despite how unglamorous it can be at times.

BBC NI has produced some outstanding sports documentaries over the past few years. The True North team’s also been responsible for the outstanding documentary featuring Crossmaglen. During the summer, the BBC showed a two-part series narrated in Irish by Jarlath Burns, which detailed the origins of GAA in Ulster up to modern day. Again, fascinating and included unseen clips and brilliant interviews.

Despite this, I do think BBC NI could hugely improve its coverage of local sport in Ulster. Apart from Ulster Rugby and Ulster Championship Gaelic football matches, there are relatively few other live sporting events shown on the Beeb. Hopefully the channel can improve its live coverage to complement the quality of its documentaries.

 

Ulster under Pressure

If you thought things were bad for Ulster Rugby it could get a whole lot worse on Saturday night, when they play Leinster. On Sunday Ulster suffered a heavy defeat (24 points) in France against La Rochelle. At half time the game was tight with the French team only winning by three points. However, they provided a clinical second half performance and wiped Ulster off the pitch.

In La Rochelle’s first campaign in the European Champions Cup, this was an outstanding performance. It’s easy to see why many rate them as strong candidates to win the tournament.

Hosting Leinster at the Kingspan Stadium this weekend, like Ulster’s last match, they’re set to be up against it. Again they have to contend with injury concerns: this year’s star performer, Christian Lealiifano is a potential casualty after last weekend’s game when he limped off with a hamstring strain. There is good news, however, with Rory Best set to return for his first appearance of the season.

Ulster are currently second in their Pro 14 pool and one place ahead of this weekend’s opponents. Saying that, Leinster are still considered favourites for the game. They’ve been extremely impressive in their first two European Champions Cup fixtures and look to be gelling at the right time. So, this promises to be an eventful game.

 

IRFU – Women’s Rugby Part-Time Role

The IRFU has dropped the ball when it comes to the Irish women’s Rugby team, coming in for widespread criticism recently for advertising the women’s rugby coach’s role as part-time. Previous coach Tom Tierney’s position was full-time.

Many have asked – rightly, in this writer’s opinion – Does this mean the IRFU has reduced the priority of the women’s game in Ireland? Surely it calls into question the legacy of the women’s World Cup, hosted here during the summer? It also seems strange given Ireland’s current bid to host the 2023 men’s World Cup. They’ve since apologised, but the whole episode doesn’t reflect well on them. And I thought the FAI was the joke sporting organisation in Ireland – maybe they have competition!

 

Weekend Predictions

Ulster club SFC quarter-finals
Slaughtneil v Omagh – I think Omagh will shock the reigning champions and win by 2 point
Derrygonnelly v Armagh Harps – Harps by 4
Cavan Gaels v Lamh Dhearg – Cavan Gaels by 4
Scotstown v Kilcar – Draw

PRO 14 – Ulster v Leinster – Leinster by 5 points

Grand Prix – Lewis Hamilton